Doris Gene Hill Best

Doris Gene Hill Best, age 98, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2022, in Draper, Utah. She was born on December 26, 1923, in Ayrshire, Iowa to Lloyd Said and Bessie Cook Hill.

Doris had wonderful memories of her Iowa childhood that included all aspects of farm life, trips into town, snowstorms---including the one that closed school for more than a month---playing games with family, friends, and neighbors, Midwest humidity, lightning storms, endless amounts of corn, and in the 8th, grade winning first place in the county spelling bee. She excelled academically and became valedictorian of her Rembrandt High School class.

Wanting to do her part, Doris joined the United States Marine Corps Women’s Reserve during World War II and was stationed in Washington, D.C. Her patriotism was exceptionally strong throughout her life.

Doris graduated from business school and her work included Paramount Pictures and the Veterans Administration Center. She always took pride in a job well done.

Doris joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Iowa, and two years later moved to Utah to meet others who shared her faith. Doris lived her beliefs throughout her life as she served in many callings wherever she was asked.

Doris married George Kenneth Best on October 19, 1956, in the Salt Lake Temple. As the story goes, “he chased her until she caught him!” They raised their six children on gospel principles, good values, hard work, laughter, and Sunday night games with popcorn.

She loved vacationing and visited many parts of the United States. Travel allowed her to perfect her interest in photography---with both her camera and by taking home movies. Doris could often be found baking bread or cinnamon rolls, and relentlessly beating her children at Scrabble and ping pong. She was a seamstress extraordinaire and freely shared her talents with so many. Her family treasures her beautiful patchwork quilts, all made with love. George and Doris always enjoyed their dinner group of couples who met for monthly dinners for 60+ years and shared many fun family trips. Doris loved to learn in all forms---whether it be perusing an encyclopedia, reading the newspaper every day, or searching for something on the internet.

Doris was always interested in and willing to help others, especially her family. She gave freely of her time and abilities. Doris was a great example of strength, steadfastness, kindness, sacrifice, and commitment to God, family, and country.

Survived by her children Patricia (Larry) Dennis of Sandy, Utah, Kenneth (Jennie) of Painesville, Ohio, Gloria (Brandt) Clark of Bedford, Wyoming, Leonard (Joanna) of Miamisburg, Ohio, Barbara (Tom) Brimley of Sandy, Utah, and Cynthia (Al) Rounds of South Jordan, Utah; twenty grandchildren and thirty-one great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother Howard Wesley Hill, her sister Laura Ruth Hill Shankel, and one granddaughter.

We express sincere thanks to The Escalante at Draper (previously The Wentworth at Draper) and Canyon Home Care & Hospice for their kind and tender care at the end of Doris’ life.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Latter-Day Saint Charities at https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, March 7, 2022, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, Utah. Friends may call at Larkin Sunset Gardens on Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and from 9:45 – 10:45 am prior to the services. Interment will be in Larkin Sunset Gardens.

Doris’ legacy will live on through her family. We love you, Mom.